Drones expected to be farmers of the future (Video)

WASHINGTON – When the Federal Aviation Administration allows commercial drones to fly in the U.S., the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International expects them to have an $82 billion impact on the economy over a decade, with most of that in the agriculture industry.

“There’s going to be a long and impressive future for this. We’re seeing an increase in civil and commercial applications for the technology.” said AUVSI Vice President Gretchen West.

The trade group is in D.C. for its annual convention. Presenters are showing off dozens of devices at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. According to AUVSI, it won’t be long before farmers add drones to their arsenal of tools.

Everything from crop-spraying helicopters to small, unmanned aircraft that help with harvesting will be available.

“The Department of Agriculture has said by 2050, there will be more people on this planet than enough food,” said West.

“To create efficiencies, using this technology is going to be very, very important.”

WTOP’s Nick Iannelli shot the videos below. In the first one, robots are seen. Law enforcement uses them for tactical situations. They can go anywhere and they’re armed with cameras.